Railway maintenance faces major funding cuts and the North East Link project may be delayed in worrying signs for commuters ahead of the state and federal budgets.

The driver accused of causing the worst crash on Victorian roads in more than a decade potentially had cannabis in his system and was clocked speeding just minutes before five people died in a “catastrophic” head-on collision.

Another Victorian home builder has gone into administration, with properties under construction to be put on hold for five weeks.

AND.. One of the fastest-growing council areas in the state is set to borrow up to $170m as it struggles to meet the infrastructure needs of its booming population.